Monday 29 August 2016

Mother Nature

Happy Bank Holiday! Surprisingly England managed to have a sunny Bank Holiday Monday today. This called for a nice leisurely stroll and adventure with my Mum. I absolutely love spending time with her. We spent the day having silly laughs and I listened to the stories she was telling me from when she was younger and used to play around the lake we walked around.

Chase Water is a lake and nice area in general that we luckily have basically on our doorstep. On a sunny day its so lovely to go and visit.


 Theres something about a bright blue sky, fresh green grass and the mesmerising calls of crystal water that just brings so much joy. It's definitely good for the soul.



I have a flat in Birmingham for uni which, of course, is very much a city lifestyle, so coming home and walking around with greenery and almost a countryside vibe is so refreshing. I often find my thoughts wondering away with themselves whilst I'm walking not even realising the time time passing.

Rocking a slightly short shirt dress and dolly shoes today. Simplistic, but chuck on some sunglasses and the staple Michael Kors bag and you're onto a winner!


It's ironic really isn't it? There are so many paths in life, sometimes you can be overwhelmed with which to take. 

I know whichever path I follow, my rock and hero of a best friend; my Mum, will be right there. 



I peered over the bank and watched people participate in all sorts of water sport. I wasn't even too sure what it exactly was they were doing, but I did laugh at one young guy fall off and into the water - does that make me mean?




Suddenly that country character had faded and we were at a beach! (not quite). There were families sunbathing, dogs swimming and children playing. It felt like we were miles and miles away.


We stumbled
 across the speed boat club over there, found ourselves a bench and sat and nibbled some sweet, tasty strawberries! 

I've always been quite fearful of swans, but I have to admit, they're pretty creatures.




I can remember being younger and that tiny castle seemed so huge; I used to love it! Now I just walk past and smile, reminiscing on the memories I have there and watch the cute baby ducklings bobbing along without a care in the world. 


I bought Mum some Converse - she got blisters in them from this walk. Oopsie, sorry Mum!







Of course we wouldn't have been able to enjoy our walk and adventure in the sunshine without my Mum insisting on us having an ice cream! I know the purpose of walking is to be fit and healthy but this was certainly worth the calories. Mmmmm!


After we demolished our naughty treat, we carried on our walk to my Nan and Grandad's house AKA my happy place. Ending a lovely afternoon full of laughs and tasty food with even more amazing company. I love that I have such a humble and happy family life. No amount of money could compare to time well spent with the right people. Today was totally free (apart from the ice creams of course) and yet it was so lovely! Never take advantage of where you come from or who you are. Remember, some people are so poor, all they have is money.

Thanks for reading,
Hayley xxx






















Tuesday 23 August 2016

The Body Bible

Apologies for the lack of blog posts in the past few months soooo much has been going on!! But I am back and plan to blog regularly (fingers crossed).

I was around the age of 14 when I first discovered an overwhelming sense of dislike for myself or more particularly my body. I can remember thinking "Why isn't my tummy as flat as my friends?" and "I wish I could just get a pair of scissors and chop off my tummy". These are probably the most polite and less dark thoughts I had, but still, they portray how low I was and my thought processes back then. 
 I would be extremely sad about not always being a size 8 UK size clothing, more often than not being a size 10. And as the years went on, my obsession with myself and my body grew and grew and not in a stuck up or snooty way; this kind of self obsession is quite the opposite. 
 I would google about all sorts of weight loss surgery, how to lose weight and tried crash diets all the time. Looking back now I wish that I could slap myself, tell myself that I was nowhere near overweight and to stop worrying over such ridiculous, trivial matters such as my belly! 
 I am in no way saying that sitting, typing this post as a 20 year old woman that I have decoded the art of self love and have incredibly profound body confidence. But I have made baby steps and I can say that I am getting there.
It's such a bizarre feeling being such a feminist and girls girl who, will so openly celebrate women and their successes, their journeys and their beauty of all shapes and sizes; yet be such a critic of my own.
 I'm not too sure what made me write this, but it's an issue I am passionate about and an art I am desperately trying to improve my skills in. I know so many girls, all shapes and sizes, can really struggle with body confidence for all sorts of reasons. Whoever is kindly taking the time to read this post, know that you're so beautiful. 

Whenever I (or any of you) feel low, remember you should worship your body and treat it right. Think of your own body bible, for example:

  • STOP - put an end to any negativity in your life; do you surround yourself with people who put others down? People who slate others and don't embrace others beauty but instead pass nasty remarks? Are your 'friends' pressuring you to alter your image? You're only as good as the company you keep, unfortunately even the most independent of people will be influenced by negativity. Remove any of these people from your life, not in a malicious manner but just take a back seat from those who don't positively influence your life and make you happy
  • DO SOMETHING - as long as whatever you do won't hurt anybody else then do something about whatever is getting you down. If shedding a few pounds is all it will take for you to feel 100 times better, then exercise more, eat a little healthier. If you wish you had shorter hair but you're scared that 'society' will describe you as not feminine then stick your middle finger up to society and chop it off! 
  • EMBRACE - unlike weight loss or haircuts, there are just some things that can't be changed or take a lot more work to alter, so learn to embrace those aspects. My fellow big boob girls understand me when I say alter necks and strapless tops are mortifying! Because suddenly just because your breasts are larger, you're conveying promiscuous imagery of yourself by having them on show even though a cleavage is a cleavage and boobs are just boobs! Smaller busted girls there is no miracle bra thats going to give you Katie Price melons! Sorry to rain on your parade but just take a look in vogue - those gorgeous models are all much flatter chested and still represent women in the worlds hugest magazine. Basically ladies, just use what you see as your imperfection and turn it into something you love about yourself. Tell yourself you love the gap in your teeth, it makes your smile unique. Say that you love having a big butt and shake it on the dance floor. Tell yourself that skinny doesn't mean your any less of a woman and flaunt your hot bod in a bikini with confidence!
This is all a lesson in progress and I hope that we can all learn to respect and not reject ourselves! 

Thank you for reading,

Hayley xx